Derry Mayor Brian Tierney sends out Stay Safe message as shops prepare to reopen

The Mayor Brian Tierney receives a gift of his favourite snack from Owney Boyle when he visited SCRA at Northside.

Mayor Tierney said the NI Executive’s decision to reopen all non-food retailers was very welcome news for small businesses across the City and District and urged the public to do all they can to support local businesses by adhering to the Stay Safe messaging and following the strict social distancing guidelines.

The Mayor said shoppers to the city and town centres over the coming days will face a very changed shopping environment and asked them to be patient and to co-operate fully with other shoppers and retailers.

He said it was important every effort is made to help retailers get back to work after many weeks closure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. He extended his best wishes to local businesses as they strive to revive their business and restore our local economy.

“Our local businesses are the backbone of our economy and its vitally important that we do all we can over the coming days and weeks to support our businesses as they reopen and get back to business in a new and more challenging environment.

“Every effort has been made by our retailers to provide a safe and secure environment for their customers. We all have a role to play in this by adhering to the guidelines and acting responsibly when out and about.

"Please be patient if you have to queue at some shops and be kind to the staff who are working under difficult circumstances. By shopping local and supporting our small businesses we can restore our economy and bring back life and vitality to our city and town centres.”

A spokesperson for the Council advised that as businesses reopen it will be continuing with its role in ensuring workplaces are safe. Members of the public seeking advice and information regarding the new regulations on health and safety legislation at their work can contact the Council’s Environmental Health team to find out how Council can assist them in ensuring their workplace is safe.

For more information visit – https://derrystrabane.com/subsites/Environmental-Health/Health-Safety-and-Consumer-Protection-Team/Health-Safety-at-Work